But in severe cases the gaseous distension is too great to hope for relief by such measures and puncture of the cæcum or double colon is the only hopeful resort. This is made with a small trochar and cannula not more than ¼ inch in bore, which is inserted at the point of greatest resonance. The point usually advised, as in the ox, is the centre of the space circumscribed by the last rib, the ilium and the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebræ. A better plan is to percuss and puncture the point where the drumlike resonance is greatest. The higher the puncture the more promising as the cannula is less likely to be blocked by the ingesta which accumulates in the lower part of each viscus. The cannula may be left in place for some time to keep the bowel flaccid and allow time for the restoration of its contractile functions. The cannula may be utilized to inject antiferments (chloral) and peristaltic stimulants (eserine, pilocarpin, barium chloride). In cases in which puncture is not imperative these agents may be used hypodermically, eserine 1½ gr., pilocarpin 2 grs. or barium chloride 7 grs. Enemata of soapsuds, with or without stimulants prove effective in emptying the floating colon and soliciting the action of the large intestines generally and the passage of flatus. Friction of the abdomen and walking exercise are desirable. After recovery a restricted diet, laxatives and bitters serve to restore the lost tone of the alimentary canal. ACUTE INTESTINAL INDIGESTION WITH IMPACTION OF THE LARGE INTESTINES IN THE HORSE. Definition. Causes: dessication of ingesta in colon, sacculation, constriction at pelvic flexure, debility, ill health, local peristalsis, diseased teeth, jaws or salivary apparatus, excess of food, heating grain, hard fibrous indigestible fodder, green leguminosæ, privation of water, inactivity, verminous aneurisms, tumors, strictures, obstructions. Symptoms: colics after meals, becoming more severe, tension and firmness of right side, sitting on haunches, stretching, small, hard, dry coated stools, obstruction felt on rectal exploration, frequent attempts to urinate, tympany. Course: six hours to six days or more, signs of aggravation and improvement. Lesions: large intestines tympanitic, impaction often at pelvic flexure, or other constriction, adherent mucosa has thick mucus or blood, is discolored, friable, necrosis, perforation, liquid contents of distended bowel in front, rupture, invagination, volvulus. Treatment: laxative diet, injections, aloes, pilocarpin, eserine, barium chloride, chloral hydrate, morphia, henbane, belladonna, puncture, cold or oleaginous enemata, empty or knead rectum and colon, cold compress, electricity, friction, laparotomy. _Definition._ This is an impaction and obstruction of the colon, and usually of the pelvic flexure with dried and badly digested alimentary matters.